Hello mate! Dreaming of studying in Australia without breaking the bank? Great news—there are plenty of scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia, from fully funded government programs to university-specific awards. EduProfound helps you navigate the process step by step — from finding the right scholarship to submitting a winning application.
Government Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students
The Australian Government offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Australia, covering undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. Explore the table below to find the right scholarships in Australia for Indian students that matches your academic goals.
As trusted Australia study visa consultants, we guide you through the entire journey—from shortlisting universities to securing your scholarship and applying for your Australian student visa.
Scholarship Name | Level of Study | Eligibility | Coverage | Application Timeline | Offered By |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australia Awards Scholarships |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research | Indian citizens, academic merit, and work experience are preferred | Fully funded scholarship (tuition, return airfare, living stipend, OSHC, prep programs) | April–May annually | Australian Government (DFAT) |
Research Training Program (RTP) |
Master’s by Research, PhD | Academic merit, university admission to research programs | Tuition, living allowance (~AUD 30–45K/year), thesis costs | Ongoing (via university application) | Australian Government |
John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) |
Postgraduate by research (mainly agriculture) | Linked to ACIAR projects; citizens of partner developing countries, incl. India | Full tuition, stipend, airfare, establishment allowance, OSHC | Usually Feb–April | Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) |
Maitri Scholarships |
Master’s by Research, PhD | Indian students in STEM, clean energy, quantum, AI, etc. | Fully funded scholarship (tuition, return airfare, living stipend, OSHC, prep programs) | Sept–Nov (next round TBA) | Australian Government |
Destination Australia Program (DAP) |
UG, PG, PhD (Regional Campuses Only) | Enrolment in a regional Australian university; academic merit | AUD 15,000/year | Ongoing | Australian Government |
ACIAR Graduate Research Scholarships |
PhD (Agriculture/Rural Studies) | Researchers linked to Indo-Australian projects | Full coverage similar to JAF | Varies (internal ACIAR nomination) | ACIAR |
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) |
PhD (Joint Indo-Australian projects) | Indian researchers collaborating with Australian counterparts | Project research costs, joint travel, and collaboration funds | Project-based timelines | DST (India) + DFAT (Australia) |
Commonwealth Government Scholarships |
Varies | Varies by state and program | Partial to full | Varies | Government + Universities |
University Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Australia
Australian universities offer a wide range of scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia, including both merit-based and need-based funding. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or research at the PhD level, you’ll find a scholarship in Australia for Indian students that matches your academic background and career goals.
Explore the list below to find top universities in Australia, scholarships for Indian students, and their eligibility criteria.
University | Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage | Eligibility | Application Timeline |
Monash University |
International Merit Scholarship | UG / PG | AUD 10,000/year (up to 4 years) | High academic achievement (85%+), Indian citizenship | With admission, rolling |
International Leadership Scholarship | UG / PG | 100% tuition waiver | Academic excellence, leadership profile, and separate application | Competitive; varies | |
Macquarie University |
India Early Acceptance Scholarship | UG / PG | AUD 10,000/year | Must accept the early offer and pay the deposit | Year-round; conditional |
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | UG / PG | Up to AUD 10,000 | Academic merit, Indian students prioritized | With admission | |
University of Sydney |
Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | PG (coursework) | AUD 5,000–40,000 (one-time) | Based on academic excellence | With course application |
Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship | PG | Up to AUD 60,000 | Indian students from underrepresented groups | Round-based, annual | |
University of Melbourne |
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship | UG | 25% to 100% tuition | High school marks; automatic consideration | On UG application |
Graduate Research Scholarship | PG Research | Full tuition + living allowance (AUD 34K+) | Strong academic + research proposal | With PhD/Masters app | |
Australian National University (ANU) |
ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship | UG / PG | 25%–50% tuition waiver | Academic excellence, competitive | Apply for admission |
HDR Fee Merit Scholarship | PhD | Tuition + living stipend | Academic excellence, research field fit | With HDR application | |
University of Queensland (UQ) |
UQ International High Achievers Scholarship | UG | AUD 10,000–12,000 | Indian students with high 12th board results | Early deadline recommended |
UQ Graduate School Scholarships | PG Research | Tuition + AUD 32K+ living + relocation | High merit, thesis project | Apply with HDR form | |
Deakin University |
Vice-Chancellor’s Meritorious Scholarship | UG / PG | 100% tuition | For Indian students only; via Deakin-authorized agents | Prior to intake start |
Deakin International Bursary | UG | 20% tuition | Indian nationals, UG applicants only | Automatic | |
RMIT University |
Future Leaders Scholarship | UG / PG | AUD 10,000+ | GPA 3.0+, mostly STEM or design-focused courses | Limited spots, per intake |
STEM Women Academic Scholarship | PG | 20–50% tuition | Women in STEM fields | Separate app, annual | |
Griffith University |
Academic Excellence Scholarship | UG / PG | 25% of tuition | Academic GPA above threshold | Auto on admission |
Griffith Remarkable Scholarship | UG / PG | 50% of tuition | High-performing Indian students | Separate application | |
Curtin University |
Global Merit Scholarship | UG / PG | 25% tuition | 70%+ in previous studies | Auto-assessed |
Alumni & Family Scholarships | UG / PG | 25% tuition | Family link or alumni status | Auto-assessed | |
La Trobe University |
Vice-Chancellor Excellence Scholarship | UG / PG | Up to 100% tuition | Academic merit + personal statement | Limited seats |
La Trobe India Scholarship | UG / PG | 20% tuition | Indian applicants | Automatic | |
University of South Australia (UniSA) |
International Merit Scholarship | UG / PG | 15% tuition | Good academic record | With admission |
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship | UG / PG | 50% tuition | Top 10% of applicants | Competitive; statement required | |
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
UTS India Scholarship | UG / PG | AUD 5,000–AUD 12,000 | Indian citizens, GPA criteria | Auto or direct |
UTS President’s Scholarship | PG Research | Fully funded tuition + stipend | Based on PhD/Master’s by research application | With HDR application |

Scholarship Process in Australia for Indian Students
Applying for a scholarship in Australia for Indian students involves more than just submitting a form. It requires strategic planning, precise documentation, and timely execution. But here’s where EduProfound comes in—we guide you at every stage, from shortlisting courses to securing your scholarship and visa, just like trusted Australian visa consultants for Indian students.
Step 1: Research and Shortlist Your Course & Scholarships
Before applying, explore your preferred course of study and identify Australian universities that offer programs in your field. Alongside course selection, review the scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia — both government-funded and university-specific. Focus on eligibility criteria, funding coverage (full or partial), and application deadlines.
Tip: Use keywords like “business scholarships in Australia for Indian students” or “engineering scholarships for Indian students in Australia” to narrow your search. But when you reach out to Eduprofound, we help you match your academic goals with the right universities and scholarships—saving you hours of research.
Step 2: Gather Essential Documents for Scholarship Applications
Once you’ve shortlisted universities and scholarships, start preparing the required documents. Most scholarships in Australia for Indian students ask for:
- Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, or UG/PG marksheets)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores (mandatory for most)
- Research proposal (only for PhD & PG research scholarships)
- Work experience (for select MBA or PG scholarships)
Organize and scan all documents for easy submission.
Step 3: Apply to Your Chosen Australian University
Many fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Australia require that you first apply for admission and receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter. Some scholarships are automatically awarded once you receive your offer, especially for high-achieving Indian students.
Pro Tip from EduProfound: We can help you apply to multiple Australian universities at once, increasing your chances of receiving an early admission and scholarship offer.
Step 4: Submit the Scholarship Application (If Required)
Some scholarships for Indian students to study in Australia are automatically granted based on your university application, while others require a separate application. Government awards like Australia Awards or Endeavour Scholarships have detailed application forms and documentation requirements.
Always double-check:
- Whether the scholarship requires a separate application
- Whether it’s merit-only or includes a financial need assessment
- Specific essay prompts, SOPs, or written statements
With EduProfound, you won’t miss these fine details—we make sure every scholarship requirement is met.
Step 5: Attend Scholarship Interviews (If Applicable)
For prestigious or fully funded scholarships, such as Australia Awards or research-based PhD funding, you may be invited to an online or in-person interview. This evaluates your motivation, academic goals, leadership potential, and your reason for choosing to study in Australia and Indian students getting scholarships.
Step 6: Receive Your Admission and Scholarship Offers
Once selected, you’ll receive both your university admission offer and your scholarship letter. It’s crucial to accept them within the given deadline and fulfil any conditions mentioned such as English language proficiency or minimum GPA maintenance.
Step 7: Apply for Your Australian Student Visa with Proof of Funding
Use your scholarship documents as proof of funds during your Australian student visa application. The scholarship confirmation letter serves as strong financial evidence, especially if you are granted a fully funded scholarship in Australia for Indian students.
Bonus: You may also be eligible for post-study work visas if you choose high-demand fields like STEM, healthcare, or data science.
Top Courses in Australia That Attract Indian Students for Scholarships
Australia is not only home to world-class universities but also to academic programs that align with global job market demands. If you’re applying for a scholarship in Australia for Indian students, targeting the right course can increase your chances significantly, especially in high-demand sectors like tech, health, and sustainability.
Here are some of the most scholarship-rich fields of study for Indian students in 2025:
Engineering & Information Technology Scholarships
Australia consistently offers generous scholarships for Indian students pursuing engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, and related fields. From Monash and UNSW to RMIT and Deakin, top universities are keen to support talent in technology and infrastructure innovation.
RMIT University offers up to AUD 50,000 in scholarships for Indian students studying Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Data Science, AI & Analytics Scholarships
With Australia’s growing tech economy, there’s a strong push to bring skilled data professionals and AI researchers into the country. Scholarships often focus on postgraduate research (RTP), as well as coursework Master’s in AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data.
Tip: If you’re applying for a fully funded scholarship in Australia for Indian students, research-based AI programs can offer better funding and career ROI.
Business, Finance & MBA Programs
Australian B-schools such as Melbourne Business School, Macquarie, and the University of Sydney offer international scholarships for MBA and finance programs, often valued at AUD 10,000–AUD 40,000.
Note: The Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship is one of the highest-paying awards for Indian postgraduate students in business and leadership tracks.
Health & Life Sciences Scholarships
Programs in biomedical sciences, pharmacy, biotechnology, and public health often come with both merit- and research-based scholarships. With Australia’s aging population and health focus, universities like UQ, Monash, and the University of Adelaide actively support Indian students in these areas.
Some scholarships also promote gender diversity in STEM—ideal for Indian women applying in biosciences.
Agriculture, Sustainability & Environmental Science Scholarships
If you’re looking for a scholarship tied to sustainability or rural development, Australia’s government and universities offer several. The John Allwright Fellowship, for example, supports Indian students working in agricultural R&D.
These scholarships often focus on postgraduate or PhD-level candidates contributing to climate resilience and food security.
Design, Architecture & Creative Arts Scholarships
Universities like UTS, UNSW, and RMIT are known for their design and architecture programs. They offer scholarships for Indian students interested in product design, urban planning, sustainable architecture, and digital arts.
While not always fully funded, these scholarships cover partial tuition and may be bundled with living grants.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Make While Applying for Scholarships in Australia
While applying for a scholarship in Australia for Indian students, even the most talented candidates can face rejection due to simple yet costly mistakes. From missing deadlines to submitting weak SOPs, these missteps can delay your study abroad journey. But here’s the good news— you can avoid the stress, missed deadlines, and costly mistakes by partnering with EduProfound. Our expert counsellors help you identify the right scholarships, craft compelling SOPs, and ensure every detail of your application is spot-on.
Missing Deadlines
Every scholarship in Australia for Indian students has a strict deadline. Delayed applications often mean missing out entirely.
Weak SOPs
Generic Statements of Purpose won’t make the cut. A clear, focused SOP is key to scholarship success.
Wrong Course Selection
If your chosen course doesn’t align with your background, it may lower your scholarship chances.
Skipping Separate Applications
Many scholarships aren’t automatic—you must apply separately with the required documents.
Ignoring Eligibility Rules
Each scholarship has specific criteria—study level, course type, or even location. Always double-check before applying.
Everything Indian Students Ask About Scholarships in Australia
Which is the best scholarship in Australia for Indian students?
The Australia Awards Scholarship is one of the best fully funded options, covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and more. RTP and university-specific VC scholarships are also top-tier choices for eligible students.
Are there fully funded scholarships for Indian students in Australia?
Yes! Options like Australia Awards, Research Training Program (RTP), and Maitri Scholarships offer full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and more for eligible Indian students.
What GPA is required to get a scholarship in Australia?
Most scholarships require a GPA equivalent to 70% or above, but competitive awards may need 80–85% or a distinction average. Some research scholarships focus more on academic and research experience than just GPA.
How can I apply for a scholarship in Australia from India?
Start by applying to an Australian university. Some scholarships are automatic, while others require a separate application, SOP, and documents. For government-funded scholarships, use platforms like OASIS or the university portal.
Do I need IELTS to qualify for a scholarship in Australia?
Yes, most scholarships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Some universities may waive it if you’ve studied in English-medium institutions.
Are there scholarships specifically for Indian women or minority students?
Yes. Scholarships like the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship and Deakin’s Women in STEM awards support Indian women and minority students pursuing higher education in Australia.
Can I work part-time on a student visa while on a scholarship?
Yes, international students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight for Australia job salary during semesters—even if they are on a scholarship. Some fully funded awards may have additional conditions, so check the terms.